CF-CPI From Canada, joined Nov 2000, 854 posts, RR: 0 Posted (11 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 1753 times:
I'm aware that in 1993 when the A340 was introduced, the -200 had a range advantage over the -300 simply by trading payload for distance. However, recently there's talk about an upgraded series 300, say the -300E or similar, that supercedes the original -200 in range. This all sounds reasonable, but is Airbus now offering a corresponding A340-200E , which in theory would be the ultimate in range for Airbus until the -500 is available? The Airbus website says the the -200 is still the 'long ranger' (8000 nm) vs. 7500 nm for the -300, but I'm confused as to what they're comparing.
Dutchjet From Netherlands, joined Oct 2000, 7864 posts, RR: 58 Reply 1, posted (11 years 1 month 2 weeks 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 1712 times:
You raise an interesting question: I think that Airbus is comparing the current longest range versions of the A342 and A343, and not the upcoming A343-Enhanced with improved engines and other detail changes. The mission of the A343-Enhanced is to update the A343 and offer improved performance to airlines that dont require the super long range A345 or larger A346. I have not heard if an enhanced version of the A342 will be developed, probably unlikely, as the airlines have always been far more interested in the A343 and niche that the A342 was to fill has largely been taken over by the A332 aircraft. Its been a while since Airbus has received an order for an A342 in any case, but if someone would want an A342 or even an enhanced version, I guess Airbus would build it.
Airsicknessbag From Germany, joined Aug 2000, 4723 posts, RR: 37 Reply 3, posted (11 years 1 month 2 weeks 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 1630 times:
The A340-213X aka A340-8000 which was sold to the Sultan of Brunei is the only one ever produced. Initially the A340-8000 was referred to as "A340-200HGW".
Two further -213 (without X) went to the Saudi Arabian VIP flight. (What´s the difference between the X and the non-X version?)
iirc the -8000 gains her superior by sacrificing some cargo space for additional fule tanks. For that reason the wing structure is slightly enforced where it´s joined to the hull (again, iirc).
Sponsor Message: 
From Canada, joined Nov 2000, 854 posts, 
From Netherlands, joined Oct 2000, 7864 posts, 
From Germany, joined Apr 2000, 450 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
